Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is characterized by high mortality and recurrence rates. Common treatments include hepatectomy, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, interventional therapy, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). While exhibiting specific advantages, these approaches are associated with varying degrees of adverse effects. To alleviate patients' suffering and burdens, it is crucial to explore additional treatments and elucidate the pathogenesis of HCC, laying a foundation for the development of new TCM-based drugs. With emerging research on gut microbiota, it has been revealed that microbiota plays a vital role in the development of HCC by influencing intestinal barrier function, microbial metabolites, and immune regulation. TCM, with its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, has been increasingly recognized as a vital therapeutic treatment for HCC, particularly in patients at intermediate or advanced stages, by prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Recent global studies demonstrate that TCM exerts anti-HCC effects by modulating gut microbiota, restoring intestinal barrier function, regulating microbial composition and its metabolites, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing immune responses, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotype of HCC. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the development and progression of HCC and highlight the regulatory effects of TCM, addressing the current gap in systematic understanding of the "TCM-gut microbiota-HCC" axis. The findings provide theoretical support for integrating TCM with western medicine in HCC treatment and promote the transition from basic research to precision clinical therapy through microbiota-targeted drug development and TCM-based interventions.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology* ; Liver Neoplasms/microbiology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective To explore the protective mechanism of icariin on neuronal oxidative damage,providing a basic pharmacological basis for the treatment of cognitive impairment.Methods Glutamate was used to induce oxidative stress injury in HT22 cells.HT22 cells were divided into control group(normal cultured cells),model group(glutamate injury model)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(5,10 and 20 μmol·L-1 icariin pretreatment for modeling,respectively).Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method;cytotoxicity was detected by lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)method;reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were detected by flow cytometry;superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels were detected by biochemical kits;the expression levels of Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein-1(Keap1),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)were detected by Western blotting;the corresponding mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantification polymerose chain reaction.Results The cell viability of control group,model group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were(100.00±1.31)％,(66.38±2.44)％,(72.07±4.95)％,(82.41±3.57)％and(87.97±4.98)％;LDH release were(0.48±0.52)％,(18.82±2.09)％,(15.32±1.17)％,(10.37±1.39)％and(6.51±0.87)％;ROS level were(14.23±1.13)％,(41.74±1.60)％,(35.69±1.08)％,(33.28±1.69)％and(30.32±2.03)％;SOD levels were(54.84±1.17),(37.95±1.13),(48.02±1.28),(50.56±1.34)and(52.55±1.04)U·mg-1;Keap1 protein levels were 0.36±0.01,0.52±0.03,0.46±0.04,0.39±0.09 and 0.35±0.12;Nrf2 protein levels were 0.29±0.02,0.13±0.08,0.18±0.03,0.21±0.11 and 0.26±0.04;catalase(CAT)mRNA levels were 1.01±0.08,0.81±0.06,0.90±0.04,1.05±0.15 and 1.33±0.26;SOD mRNA levels were 1.09±0.12,0.83±0.03,0.86±0.08,0.94±0.08 and 1.09±0.16.Among the above indicators,the differences between the model group and the control group were statistically significant(all P＜0.01);the differences between the experimental-M,-H groups and the model group were statistically significant(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusion Icariin may activate the Keap1/Nrf2/antioxidant response element(ARE)signaling pathway,regulate the expression of related proteins,and reduce the level of ROS to effectively alleviate oxidative stress injury in neuronal cells.

Vesicular glutamate transporter 2(VGlut2)is expressed in the PVN of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus(PVNVG1ut2)as an excitatory neurotransmitter,which regulates food intake and energy metabolism and plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis.However,it is not clear that the upstream and downstream projection network of PVNVGut2 neurons hinders the anal-ysis of glutamatergic neuron circuit function.Anterograde and retrograde tracer viruses were injec-ted into the PVN of VGlut2 mice by stereotactic brain injection technique to find the input and output nuclei of PVNVGlut2 neurons.Anterograde tracing results showed that PVNVGlut2 neurons pro-jected to the downstream medial amygdala(MeAD)and arcuate nucleus(ARC).Retrograde trac-ing results showed that PVNVGlut2 received input from the prefrontal nucleus(Pr),the reticular tegmental nucleus(RtTg),and the hypoglossal nucleus(12N).In addition,VGlut2 was found to be co-expressed with neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS)neurons in the PVN.The anatomical net-work of PVNVG1ut2 neurons was analyzed by virus tracking tool,which laid the anatomical founda-tion for further study on the functional regulation of PVNVGlut2.

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism and distribution characteristics of RhD negative phenotypes in Han population of blood donors in Wuhu city.Methods:A total of 210 RhD-samples from August 2021 to August 2022 were screened by serological test and collected from Wuhu Central Blood Station for the voluntary blood donor population.Exons 1 and 10 of the RHD gene were amplificated by PCR to determine whether the samples had the RHD gene.Exons 1-10 of the RHD gene were amplificated by PCR and zygosity analysis were performed in 82 samples containing D gene,and Sanger sequencing was performed on 55 samples containing all RHD exons to determine the genotype.Results:Among 210 RhD-specimens,128 cases(60.38％)had RHD gene deletion.27 cases had partial exons of RHD,including 2 cases with RHD*DVI.3/RHD*01N.01,24 cases with RHD*01N.04/RHD*01N.01,and 1 case with RHD-CE(2-10)/RHD*01N.01.55 cases had retained all of 10 exons,including 4 cases with RHD*01/RHD*01N.01,6 cases with RHD*15/RHD*01N.01,1 case with RHD*01W.72/RHD*01N.01,1 case with RHD*15/RHD*01EL.01,39 cases with RHD*01EL.01/RHD*01N.01,and the remaining 4 cases were determined to have no RHD gene deletion by zygosity analysis and sequencing showed the presence of 1227G＞A mutation loci.Conclusion:There is polymorphism in the molecular mechanism of RhD-D gene in Wuhu blood donor population,among which RHD*01EL.01 and RHD*15 are the main variants in this region.The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for RhD blood group identification and clinical blood transfusion in this region.

Since the anatomical location of acupoints was recorded in The latest Practice of Western Acupuncture in 1915, and Lecture Notes on Advanced Acupuncture in 1931, the Japanese acupuncture works of Chinese translation version, the location of Dazhui (GV 14) (under the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra) and Yaoyangguan (GV 3) (under the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra) had rarely been questioned for nearly a century. In order to confirm the above statement, the writers have reviewed ancient literature, combined with the modern anatomical knowledge and searched the evidences from the core arguments of the acupuncture Mingtang chart and the bronze acupuncture statue. It is believed that Dazhui （GV 14） should be positioned under the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra, and Yaoyangguan（GV 3） be under the spinous process of the 5th lumbar vertebra. Accordingly, all of the other acupoints of these meridians should be moved down by 1 vertebra, i.e. those on the governor vessel from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoyangguan (GV 3), those on the 1st lateral line of the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang from Dazhu (BL 11) to Baihuanshu (BL 30) and those on the 2nd lateral line of the bladder meridian from Fufen (BL 41) to Zhibian (BL 54).
Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; Meridians ; Acupuncture Points ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Thoracic Vertebrae

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and prior stroke history have a high risk of cardiovascular events despite anticoagulation therapy. It is unclear whether catheter ablation (CA) has further benefits in these patients. METHODS: AF patients with a previous history of stroke or systemic embolism (SE) from the prospective Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study between August 2011 and December 2020 were included in the analysis. Patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio to CA or medical treatment (MT) based on propensity score. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or ischemic stroke (IS)/SE. RESULTS: During a total of 4.1 ± 2.3 years of follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 111 patients in the CA group (3.3 per 100 person-years) and in 229 patients in the MT group (5.7 per 100 person-years). The CA group had a lower risk of the primary outcome compared to the MT group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47-0.74, P < 0.001]. There was a significant decreasing risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31-0.61, P < 0.001), IS/SE (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97, P = 0.033), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19-0.54, P < 0.001) and AF recurrence (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.37, P < 0.001) in the CA group compared to that in the MT group. Sensitivity analysis generated consistent results when adjusting for time-dependent usage of anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS In AF patients with a prior stroke history, CA was associated with a lower combined risk of all-cause death or IS/SE. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the benefits of CA in these patients.

Aim To study the regulation and mechanism of phloroglucinol in bladder smooth muscle spasm. Methods In vitro the experiment used bladder muscle strip to verify the relieving effect of phloro-glucinol on bladder spasm by different drugs. At the same time,RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of genes involved in the calcium signaling pathway caused by the antispasmodic effect of phloroglucinol. Results Phloroglucinol could relieve bladder spasm, and the antispasmodic effect was enhanced with the increase of concentration, and the expression of calponin 1 and MYLK3 in tissue cells increased. The results of RT-qPCR showed that the expression of Gprc5b G,Ppp2r5a, Chptl, Prkar2b ,Abcd2 and Rasdl genes in mouse bladder tissue significantly decreased, which was consistent with the sequencing results of RNA-seq.Conclusions Phloroglucinol can relieve bladder smooth muscle spasm, and its mechanism is related to calcium signaling pathway. Meanwhile, phloroglucinol also inhibits the expression of Rasdl gene, suggesting that it may be related to cell cycle , protein phosphorylation, choline metabolism, ATP synthesis and tumor-related pathways.

Eosinophilia/genetics* ; Gene Rearrangement ; Humans ; Myeloproliferative Disorders/genetics* ; Neoplasms ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics* ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/genetics*

Objective: To explore the relationship of physical activity and sedentary leisure time with muscle mass, strength, and quality in Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the second resurvey of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) in 2013-2014, logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation of physical activity and sedentary leisure time with low muscle mass, grip strength, and muscle quality. Results: A total of 24 245 participants were included in the analysis. The average daily physical activity level was (18.3±13.8) MET-h/d, and the sedentary leisure time was (4.4±1.9) hours. We took the lowest physical activity quartile as the reference and found that the participants' physical activity was negatively correlated to low muscle mass, strength, and quality. The ORs (95%CIs) of low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), low total skeletal muscle mass index (TSMI), low grip strength and low arm muscle quality (AMQ) were 0.68 (0.60-0.77), 0.66 (0.58-0.75), 0.82 (0.72-0.94) and 0.84 (0.74-0.95), respectively. The subtypes of physical activity, including those related to work, transportation, housework, and leisure, also showed negative correlations with low muscle mass, strength, and quality to varying degrees. Compared with participants with the shortest sedentary leisure time, those who had the longest were more likely to have low TSMI (OR=1.13, 95%CI: 0.99-1.30). Conclusions: Physical activity was negatively correlated with a lower risk of low muscle mass and strength, while longer sedentary leisure time positively correlated with low muscle mass.
Adult ; China ; Exercise ; Humans ; Leisure Activities ; Muscles ; Sedentary Behavior

Objective: To explore the association of spicy food consumption and risk of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancers (LOCPs) in Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the baseline survey and long-term follow-up of the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study, Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for associations between spicy food consumption and LOCPs incidence. Results: Of the 510 145 participants included at baseline, 30.1% reported daily spicy food consumption. During a mean follow-up of 10.8 (2.0) years, we documented 767 LOCPs cases. Multivariate adjusted analyses showed that the risk of LOCPs incidence decreased with the frequency of spicy food intake (trend P=0.003), with HR of 0.69 (95%CI:0.54-0.88) for daily spicy food consumers, compared with never or occasional consumers. Participants who preferred moderate pungency degrees had the lowest risk of LOCPs, with a 33%[0.67(95%CI:0.52-0.87)] reduced risk compared to those who consumed spicy food less than once per week. The later the starting age, the lower the risk (trend P=0.004). Those who started eating spicy food after 18 years old had the lowest risk of LOCPs incidence, with adjusted HR (95%CI) of 0.70(0.54-0.92). Conclusions: Spicy food intake might be associated with a decreased risk of LOCPs incidence. Such association was independent of healthy lifestyles. Advocating moderate-pungency spicy food consumption and healthy lifestyles might help prevent LOCPs.
Adolescent ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Lip ; Pharyngeal Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spices